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Golden Visa Partners

2026 Program Guide

Spain Golden Visa & Residence Permit

The Spain Golden Visa program ended on April 3, 2025, due to housing price concerns, and no longer accepts new applications. However, for those wishing to live in Spain, the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), Digital Nomad Visa, and Entrepreneur Visa offer strong alternatives.

Last updated: 2026-07-07 · Reviewed by: Burak Ünal

At a glance

Golden Visa status
Closed (April 3, 2025)
Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
~EUR 2,400/month passive income
Digital Nomad Visa
~EUR 2,850/month remote income
Entrepreneur Visa
Innovative business plan
Existing golden visa holders
Rights preserved and renewable

Who is it for?

  • Those seeking alternative routes to live in Spain now that the golden visa has closed.
  • Those wishing to settle in Spain on passive income (retirement, rent, dividends) (NLV).
  • Remote workers for foreign employers or clients (Digital Nomad Visa).
  • Entrepreneurs wishing to establish an innovative business in Spain.

Alternatives After the Golden Visa

Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV): For those wishing to live in Spain on passive income without working; requires 183 days of residence per year.

Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers working for an employer or clients abroad; can extend up to 5 years.

Entrepreneur Visa: For investors establishing an innovative business that contributes to the Spanish economy.

Choosing the Right Alternative Visa

With the Golden Visa now closed to new applicants, anyone drawn to Spain needs to match their circumstances to one of the remaining residence routes. The Non-Lucrative Visa suits those who can support themselves from passive income and are content to make Spain their main home, since it carries a substantial annual presence requirement. Remote professionals and employees of foreign companies often fit the Digital Nomad Visa more naturally, while founders with an innovative, approved business plan may prefer the Entrepreneur Visa. Each begins the same way: an honest eligibility assessment, careful document preparation, the application itself, and then residence. Families can generally be included, so it is sensible to plan for a spouse and children from the outset and to line up valid health insurance and a clean criminal record early. For those thinking long term, continuous residence can open a path to citizenship after a decade, which rewards genuine settlement rather than a passive holding. Because these routes differ sharply in their income and presence conditions, and because your goals may favour one over another, it is worth discussing your situation with a qualified adviser before choosing.

Benefits

  • Living in Spain and Schengen access through alternative visas.
  • Residence possible through passive income or remote work.
  • Family members can be included.
  • Path to citizenship after 10 years of residence.

Requirements

  • Sufficient passive income and 183 days of residence per year for the NLV.
  • Remote work income for the Digital Nomad Visa.
  • Approved innovative business plan for the Entrepreneur Visa.
  • Clean criminal record and health insurance.

Costs

Golden Visa
No longer available (ended in 2025)
Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
~EUR 28,800/year proof of income
Digital Nomad Visa
~EUR 2,850/month income
Entrepreneur Visa
Depends on business plan

Process

  1. Eligibility assessment

    Determining the visa type best suited to your profile.

  2. Document preparation

    Preparing income, business plan, or employment documents.

  3. Application

    Applying through the consulate or from within Spain.

  4. Residence

    Obtaining and renewing the residence permit after approval.

FAQ

Is the Spain golden visa still open?
No. The program ended on April 3, 2025, and no longer accepts new applications. Existing holders' rights are preserved.
Is there still a way to get Spanish residence through investment?
There is no longer direct residence through investment; however, residence is possible through passive income, remote work, or entrepreneurship.
Can I get residence by buying real estate?
No, the golden visa that granted residence through real estate investment has closed.
What happens to my existing golden visa?
Golden visas obtained before the program closed retain their rights and can be renewed as long as conditions are met.
How much income is required for the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)?
Generally approximately EUR 28,800 in annual passive income (~EUR 2,400/month), plus additional proof of income for each additional family member.
How long can I stay with the Digital Nomad Visa?
The initial permit can extend up to a total of 5 years through renewals; a transition to long-term residence may be considered afterward.
Is there a path to citizenship in Spain?
Citizenship can generally be applied for after 10 years of legal residence; this period is reduced to 2 years for citizens of certain Latin American countries.

Sources

Disclaimer: Golden Visa Partners is an investment and immigration advisory firm; it does not provide legal or attorney services. The investment amounts, timelines and program conditions on this page are for general guidance only and, because regulations change quickly, may be out of date. Before making any decision, we recommend consulting current official sources and obtaining independent legal and financial advice.

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